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Thursday, December 29, 2011

New Year's Resolution

Most of you probably already know that obesity can cut your life short. But some people seem to take the attitude that life is short and uncertain anyway. I've heard people say "Why should I bother to make lifestyle changes that could add a few years to my life when I could be run over by a car tomorrow?"

The answer is simple! It's not just how long you live, it's how well you live. It's all about living a long AND healthy life!

A recent study by scientists at Harvard and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston (Sun et al, British Medical Journal, 330: b3796, 2009) addressed this issue very clearly. They followed 17,065 women who had enrolled in the Nurses Health Study in 1976 and had subsequently reached age of 70 and asked how obesity affected their health at age 70.

They were not just looking at survival. They were looking at healthy survival. They defined healthy survivors as those women who were free of chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, for example) and had no cognitive, physical or mental limitations.

The results were clear cut. Women who were at ideal weight at age 18, but had gained 22 pounds or more by middle age, were 59% less likely to enjoy good health at age 70 than the women who had maintained ideal weight through middle age.
The effect of body weight on healthy survival was even more dramatic for those women who were already overweight at age 18 and gained 22 pounds or more by middle age. Their probability of enjoying good health at age 70 was 79% less than women who had maintained ideal weight through middle age.
And just in case there are guys reading this Health Tip who think this doesn't apply to you, there is a study showing that healthy survival in men is also dramatically decreased by obesity (JAMA, 296:2343-2350, 2006).
So while lifestyle changes are never easy, they are definitely worth the effort. It really is not just about how long you live, it's about how well you live.

When making your New Year's Resolution, commit yourself to making 1-2 positive healthy lifestyle changes per month.  In a year's time you will have made 12-24 positive changes.  It becomes habit and your chances of succeeding are tremendous!

To your health!!

Mary Beth Potrykus
www.mamabearproductions.net

Thank you Dr. Stephen Chaney for providing this information. 

Monday, December 19, 2011

Chemical Calories; What are they and how to avoid them.

Chemical calories are a way to quantify and grade the many fattening chemicals that are in the foods we eat.  Foods are high in chemical calories if they are exposed to certain pesticides, environmental toxins, and synthetic chemicals.  Most food we eat is sprayed with all kinds of highly toxic pesticides designed to kill insects, fungus, bacteria, and weeds.  After food is harvested, it may be sprayed again to prevent spoilage in storage.  And before it's packaged, it may be treated again.   That's 3 times it is exposed to toxins!  It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of foods we eat have some detectable amount of deliberately added pesticide or chemicals.  In addition to grown food, much of the livestock we eat has been exposed to potentially fattening chemicals - chemicals designed to enhance weight gain in animals or have a weight gain effect as a side effect.  These synthetic chemicals are used by farmers to force weight gain in animals, by altering the animal's metabolism.  We eat this meat and we eat these fattening chemicals along with it!

These chemicals seriously compromise our metabolism.  They can damage the appetite 'switch' so that we eat more food than we need.  They can also reduce the amount of food the body needs, by damaging our ability to burn off food, thereby making the food that we eat go further.  But the most important way these chemicals function is by seemingly preventing the body from burning up existing fat stores. This dooms us to become fatter as long as we keep exposing our bodies to these chemicals.

According to Dr. Baillie-Hamilton, eating organic foods will help detoxify the body by reducing the amount of chemicals you ingest.  By eating organically, you stop the cycle so your body can focus energy on removing those toxins.  Chemicals limit the amount of nutrients being absorbed.

Click here and view a video on the subject.

What can you do?

Go here and see what you can do to detoxify and get rid of the chemical calories.

Mary Beth Potrykus
Mama Bear Productions
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Does your doctor take supplements?

Have you ever asked your doctor that question?  Many people believe doctors don't take supplements/vitamins. 

In fact it is true that doctors take supplements as illustrated in a recent study of 900 specialist--300 cardiologists, 300 dermatologists and 300 orthopedists (A. Dickinson et al, 10.1186/1475-2891-10-20).

When asked if they used dietary supplements occasionally, 75% of dermatologists, 73% of orthopedists and 57% of cardiologists said yes.

When asked whether they used supplements regularly, the percentages were 59% for dermatologists, 50% for orthopedists, and 37% for cardiologists - percentages that are not significantly different from the general population. 
And the physicians surveyed were not just using the products themselves - they were recommending them to their patients.

-Multivitamins:  75% of orthopedists, 55% of cardiologists and 69% dermatologists and they agreed "It is a good idea for patients to take multivitamins."

-69% of cardiologists agreed "Adults with a family history of heart disease should consider taking dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids/fish oil."

-93% of orthopedists agreed "Adults with a family history of osteoporosis or poor bone health should consider taking a calcium dietary supplement."

Most of the physicians in the study indicated that their nutrition training was inadequate and they had not received any training on the subject of dietary supplements.

So if you are using, or considering using, dietary supplements,  you are in good company.

Mary Beth Potrykus
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/
marybeth@mamabearproductions.net

*Thank you to Dr. Stephen Chaney for providing this valuable information.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Get The Facts on Food Labels cont.

Get Enough Vitamins, Minerals and Fiber
  • Eat more fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron to maintain good health and help reduce your risk of certain health problems such as osteoporosis and anemia.
  • Choose more fruits and vegetables to get more of these nutrients.  Fresh fruits and vegetables (ideally organic) are best and cost less than frozen and canned vegetables. 
  • Remember to aim high for % DV of these nutrients.
Additional Nutrients
  • Carbohydrates --There are three types of carbs:  sugars, starches and fiber.  Select whole grain breads, cereals, rice and pasta plus fruits and vegetables (complex carbs=good carbs).
  • Sugars--Simple carbohydrates or sugars occur naturally in foods such as fruit juice (fructose), or come from refined sources such as table sugar (sucrose) or corn syrup.  You can find natural sugars at many stores (ie Sugar in the Raw, Blue Agave, Stevia, organic sugar).
Check the Ingredient List

Foods with more than one ingredient must have an ingredient list on the label.  Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.  Those in the largest amounts are listed first.  Effective January 2006, manufacturers are required to clearly state if food products contain any ingredients that contain protein derived from the eight major allergenic foods.  These foods are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. 

What Health Claims on Food Labels Really Mean

FDA has strict guidelines on how certain food label terms can be used.  Some of the most common claims seen on food packages:
  • Low calorie--Less than 40 calories per serving
  • Low cholesterol --Less than 2 mg of cholesterol and 2 gm or less of saturated fat per serving.
  • Reduced--25% less of the specified nutrient or calories than the usual products.
  • Good source of--Provides at least 10% of the DV of a particular vitamin or nutrient per serving.
  • Calorie free--Less than 5 calories per serving.
  • Fat free/sugar free - Less than 1/2 gram of fat or sugar per serving.
  • High in--Provides 20% or more of the Daily Value of a specified nutrient per serving.
  • High fiber 5 or more grams of fiber per serving.
FDA also sets standards for health-related claims on food labels to help consumers identify foods that are rich in nutrients and may help to reduce their risk for certain diseases.  For example, health claims may highlight the link between calcium and osteoporosis, fiber and calcium, heart disease and fat or high blood pressure and sodium.

For a Personal Confidential Nutrition Consultation, call Mary Beth at 810-813-3308.  The first consultation is at no charge.

Mary Beth Potrykus
www.mamabearproductions.net
Keeping Health in Focus

Monday, December 5, 2011

Get the Facts on Food Labels

When you shop do you compare labels?  Are some of the nutrition facts a bit confusing?  Here is some "food for thought".  OK I may not be real funny but laughter is always good. :)

Shop Smart - Get the Facts on Food Labels

Become a smart shopper by reading food labels to find out more about the foods you eat.  The Nutrition Facts panel found on most food labels will help you:
  • Find out which foods are good sources of fiber, calcium, iron and vitamin C
  • Compare similar foods to find out which one is lower in fat an calories
  • search for low-sodium foods
  • look for foods that are low in saturated fat and trans fats (polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats are GOOD)
A Quick Guide to reading the Nutrition Facts Label

Remember to check your portion size to the serving size listed on the label.  If the label serving size is one cup, and you eat two cups, you are getting twice the calories, fat and other nutrients listed on the label.

Check out the Total Calories and Fat

Find out how many calories are in a single serving and the number of calories from fat.  It's smart to cut back on calories and fat if you are watching your weight.

Let the Percent Daily Values Be Your Guide

Use percent Daily Values (DV) to help you evaluate how a particular food fits into your daily meal plan:
  • Daily Values are average levels of nutrients for a person eating 2,000 calories a day.  A food item with a 5% DV means 5% of the amount of fat that a person consuming 2,000 calories a day would eat.
  • Remember:  percent DV are the entire day--not just for one meal or snack.
  • You may need more or less than 2,000 calories per day.  For some nutrients you may need more or less than 100% DV.
The High and Low of Daily Values
  • 5% or less is low--try to aim low in total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium
  • 20% or more is high--try to aim high in vitamins, minerals and fiber
Limit Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium

Eating less of these nutrients may help reduce your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
  • Total fat includes saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat.  Limit to 100% DV or less per day.  (remember poly and mono are good fats)
  • Saturated fat and trans fat are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
  • Sodium--high levels can add up to high blood pressure.
  • Remember to aim low for % DV of these nutrients.
There is more.  So watch for The rest of the story tomorrow.

Mary Beth Potrykus
www.mamabearproductions.net

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Pharmaceutical profits are down. Time to attack vitamins!

Did you hear the breaking news that multivitamins may shorten your life? Here’s how junk science from the AMA set off the media frenzy.

Bloomberg phrased it this way: “Multivitamins and some dietary supplements, used regularly by an estimated 234 million US adults, may do more harm than good, according to a study that tied their use to higher death rates among older women.” The study’s authors outrageously concluded, “We see little justification for the general and widespread use of dietary supplements.”

The study, published in the American Medical Association’s (AMA’s) Archives of Internal Medicine, assessed the use of vitamin and mineral supplements in nearly 39,000 women whose average age was 62. The researchers asked the women to fill out three surveys, the first in 1986, the second in 1997, and the last in 2004, reporting what supplements they took and what foods they ate, and answering a few questions about their health.

That’s right, all the data was self-reported by the study subjects only three times over the course of the 19-year-long study. To say the data is “unreliable” would be a generous description. This kind of “data” has no place in a valid scientific study.

Then the researchers looked at how many of the women had died by 2008. They reported that the number of deaths were somewhat higher for women who took copper, a little bit lower for women who took calcium, but about average for most of the women.

In the study, all of the relative risks were so low as to be statistically insignificant, and none was backed up by any medical investigation or biological plausibility study. No analysis was done on what combinations of vitamins and minerals were actually consumed, and no analysis of the cause of death was done beyond grouping for “cancer,” “cardiovascular disease,” or “other”—there was certainly no causative analysis done. The interactions of potential compounding risk factors is always tremendously complex—and was ignored in this so-called study.

“Multivitamin” can mean many different things, and of course changed tremendously over the 19 years during which this “study” was conducted. Were they high quality? Were the ingredients synthetic or natural? How much of each nutrient was taken? Were they really taken at all? How good is anyone’s memory in describing what took place over many years? One would assume that that the women’s diets fluctuated greatly over the same period; when self-reporting only three times in 19 years, there is a great deal of information one would naturally leave out even if some of it was accurate. No analysis was done of the effect of supplements on the women’s overall health, nor of their effect on women of other ages.

According to Dr. Robert Verkerk the Executive & Scientific Director of ANH-International;

“This study is a classic example of scientific reductionism being used to fulfill a particular need. In this case, it’s supplement bashing, a well-known preoccupation of Big Pharma — and an approach that appears to be central to the protection of Big Pharma’s profit margins.”
Read Dr. Verkerk’s article critical of the AMA’s goals and scientific methodology here.

In short, this study is less than useless: it is dangerous, because it is being used by the media and the mainstream medical establishment to blacken the eye of nutritional supplements using poor data, bad analysis, and specious conclusions—otherwise known as junk science.

What are your thoughts?

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Why Supplement?

Many times I hear, "I'm healthy or I'm young so why do I need to use supplements (or some say vitamins)?"  If you eat according to the food pyramid guide, breathe only clean air, drink only the purest of water, exercise at least 3 times weekly, and have no stress in your life then no you don't need to supplement.  Does this sound like you?

When I first started taking supplements, I thought to myself am I going to do this for the rest of my life?  Fourteen years later I'm still taking supplements.  I don't take a day off either.

Why do I say supplements versus vitamins?  Because the products I use and market, supplement what we don't get from our diet.  Be careful because not all supplements are created equally. 

Click here for an even better explanation of Why Supplement

If you are already using supplements, are you getting the results  you want?  Why did you start taking supplements?  Did a doctor recommend them?  Were you told "all brands are the same, just go to the grocery store"?

I'm not here to treat or diagnose, but many traditional doctors aren't knowledgeable in supplements.  They have their reasons.

But if you are looking for someone who has your best interest at heart, email me and we can set up a time to discuss what is best for you.  Because that is who matters, YOU.

Give yourself the gift of health this holiday season so that you can enjoy many more to come.

Many blessings,

Mary Beth
marybeth@mamabearproductions.net
www.mamambearproductions.net

Monday, November 7, 2011

Calling all teachers

It's that cold and flu season again.  Who seems to be on the receiving end?  Teachers.  Kids come to school with runny noses, coughing, and a whole array of other "fun" things. 

On top of all that, it is the stress of dealing with 30 different personalities, teaching something they love and with the hope that those children will be passionate about learning.

And if all of this isn't enough, they don't receive a raise, benefits are reduced and they are struggling financially. 

So what can teachers do to offset the affects of stress, have a balanced immune system, create an additional income to offset their paycuts, and not go crazy while doing all of this?

Let's start with stress.  When a person is stressed, reach for the good foods.  For example: fresh fruit, fresh veggies, protein.  These food choices will offset the affects of stress and put the body in a more calm state.  Did you know that stress is a major contributing factor in 100% of disease? 

Next the immune system.  It is imperative to have a balanced immune sytem to ward off the flu and it is a great prevention against more serious illnesses such as cancer.  Eating healthy 80% of the time and 20% of the time eat what you want and enjoy it.  We don't live in a plastic bubble and limiting oneself can add to stress. 

Next is a balanced immune system.  I say balanced because there are Auto Immune Disorders where the immune system is overproducing and is attacking the body.  What can one do to have a balanced immune system?  Because we can't get everything we need from our food supply, we need supplements.  Go here for my favorites. 

If you had a flu shot but want something that is a great defense against all flu bugs, click here.  If you like to know what you are putting into your body, click on the Science portion. 

Last is creating an additional income.  Teachers know that education is empowering.  I conduct Healthy Workshops for businesses, schools, churches, and organizations in the community.  My business is expanding and I'm looking for teachers to teach these workshops and have a flexible business to create an additional stream of income.  If this sounds like you or someone you know, email your resume to Mary Beth at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net

The Heart of a Teacher is a book and also you can see a brief video on the book.

Thank you to all teachers!  You are a blessing.

Mary Beth

Monday, October 10, 2011

Everything you need. Nothing you don't.

The United States Pharmacopeia requires just 80 tests on supplements.  This is the requirement for pharmaceutical standards. 

You get what you pay for.  Ever heard of that?  And that 's true, at least 99% of the time.  My friend Mike Eaton of Consumer's Choice Marketing offers a free service to his customers.  It's true.  I'm one of his customers. 

Anyway let's get back to supplements.  The business where you purchase your supplements, do they tell you how many tests they perform on the raw ingredients that go into their products?  Are you confident there are no pesticides, lead, mercury, etc in your supplements?   Are you getting the results you want? 

I'm proud to say I market Shaklee products. The products helped me to not only regain my health, but I feel better than ever.  Shaklee shares my vision and values.  I've received valuable education from doctors, nurses and nutritionists.  Go here and take a look.

Remember how many tests the USP requires?  Shaklee tests for over 350 contaminants, including 320 pesticides.  They also conduct over 100,000 tests annually to ensure the greatest purity and potency possible. 

You may be thinking "well those products have got to cost an arm and a leg".   Go ahead and take a look here.  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. 

In addition to these products, you have me.  I will work with you to determine what products are right for you so you aren't spending money on products you don't need.

Contact me at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net to set up a time to talk.

Mary Beth

Creating a healthy family is like a game of follow the leader.  Your kids will do what you do, take care of yourself first.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

What's Soy wrong?

No that isn't a typo.  Soy hasn't gotten a bad reputation over the years and this post is to clear up any misunderstandings. 

Actually soy has been long valued as a healthy vegetarian source of protein, recent research has discovered important compounds in soy called isoflavones provide potentially powerful health benefits of their own beyond the simple delivery of healthy nutrients in soy, from protein to minerals.

For 50 years, Shaklee scientists have recommended soy protein consumption as part of a healthy diet. However, today we are also well aware of the great confusion among consumers and even health professionals about the health benefits of soy, because of a few very limited studies on soy that have received much attention on the internet.

Mark Messina, PhD, is an adjunct associate professor at Loma Linda University and the Executive Director of the Soy Nutrition Institute. Dr. Messina, an acknowledged leader in soy research, has made studying the health affects of soy his focus for over 20 years and has published more than 60 scientific papers and given more than 500 presentations on soy foods to health professionals around the world.


From his comprehensive scientific white paper prepared exclusively for us, Dr. Messina produced a two-part summary update on soy. In a previous blog, was the content from part one.  Here is part two.

Now in Part 2, Soy and Your Health: Dispelling the Myths, linked to this letter, Dr. Messina addresses the misleading and inaccurate rumors about soy circulating on the internet. According to Dr. Messina’s careful review, many of these studies incorrectly link soy to adverse effects. So now it’s time to learn the truth about the so called “anti-nutrients” in soy, how soy really affects the thyroid, breast health, and brain function and the real differences between unfermented and fermented soy. Dr. Messina’s detailed investigation also includes reference citations of published scientific research studies he analyzed to reach his conclusions.

Thank you Dr. Jamie McManus for providing this enlightening information.

Want to speak with a person who has used soy protein for 14 years and has side benefits vs. side affects?  Contact Mary Beth at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net

Mary Beth Potrykus
Mama Bear Productions
Keeping Health in Focus

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Antioxidants and Cancer

Although the internet can be a good resource for information, there are times when it provides false information and/or inaccurate information.  For example "Do antioxidants actually increase your risk of cancer?"

The source of this question and answer is a meta-analysis of 66 antioxidant clinical trials published in 2007 by Bjelakovic in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.  Although their data suggested that taking extra vitamins A, E and Beta Carotene, increased cancer by up to 16% the study excluded over 400 clinical trials because no deaths were reported in those trials.  Only trials with a significant  number of deaths were included.

So another group of scientific experts re-analyzed the data.  Their meta-analysis showed that 36% of the antioxidant clinical trials had a beneficial outcome, 60% showed no effect of supplementation and only 4% had a negative outcome. 

Just this past month the data were published from a very large clinical trial in Europe.  In this study 23,943 adults from Germany were followed for a total of 11 years.

The participants who consumed antioxidant supplements at the beginning of the study had a 48% decrease in cancer mortality and a 42% decrease in all cause mortality compared to those who did not take any supplements.

Dr. Chaney states "like most other reputable scientists, I am not yet ready to promise you that antioxidant supplements will decrease your cancer risk.  However, I think you can pretty much forget this nonsense about antioxidant supplements increasing your cancer risk."

Be selective about what you put into your body.  Not sure what supplements are right for you?  Email Mary Beth at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net to set up a Personal Confidential Nutrition Consultation.

I am passionate about helping people.


Mary Beth

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Is your health, your choice?

We need doctors.  Doctors are there to make recommendations.  Ultimately it is our choice how we address a health issue.  We trust they give us the right information and that is true, but there are alternative ways to prevent and address health issues.  Read on to learn what our government is trying to do. 

Obama Attacks Nutrition


By Alan Caruba

While watching a television commercial for some prescription medication, have you ever wondered why something it states may kill you or cause serious side effects ever was permitted to be marketed to the public?
For decades I have taken a full range of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements every morning. I don’t get head colds or any unwanted side affects. In my seventh decade, I enjoy exceptional good health. An annual physical check up is always the same. I am fine.

Millions of Americans benefit from a daily regimen of vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Athletes use whey protein powders. Body builders take amino acids. Others augment food products that lack sufficient nutritional value. Their health and wellness is now threatened by the Obama administration’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Banning Health!

On the Friday before the Fourth of July weekend, the FDA published a 47-page document, the Codex Alimentarius, that would ban all nutritional and supplemental ingredients by requiring them to file documentation involving multi-million-dollar testing and the regulations would be retroactive to 1994!

This will destroy the manufacturers of these products because most are small companies that could not afford such costs. It’s not like there is a vast body of information that demonstrates any threat to health from vitamins and minerals. Quite the contrary. There is ample information on their benefits. There are libraries filled with books devoted to this.

Who would benefit from such regulation of the natural supplement industry? Big Pharma. The same pharmaceutical companies that have a long record of putting forth FDA-approved medications that later prove to be lethal are looking to use the regulatory powers of FDA to literally increase levels of illness.

In the same way Obamacare has been demonstrated to not only be unconstitutional, but also a threat to the health of millions—especially senior citizens—this callous administration now threatens to remove from the shelves of stores that sell nutritional supplements, from pharmacies, and from supermarkets and other outlets, the vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements on which millions depend for wellness.

This constitutes a criminal conspiracy and Congress, which has ceded its law-making authority to the FDA, must hear from everyone in order to stop this assault on everyone’s health.

Frank Murray, the former editor of Better Nutrition, Great Life, and Let’s Live, is the author and co-author of fifty books on health and nutrition. They include Natural Supplements for Diabetes, Health Benefits Derived from Sweet Orange, and 100 Super Supplements for a Longer Life. He is a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.

One of Murray’s books, Sunshine and Vitamin D, notes that “With the hundreds of clinical trials published on Vitamin D in recent years—I read one study with 132 references—it is obvious that the ‘sunshine vitamin’ no longer has to play second fiddle to the other vitamins.” The same can be said for vitamins A, B, C, and E. All have amply demonstrated their value. Add to them, zink, potassium, selenium, and other mineral supplements. All those prostate advertisements are about herbal supplements!

The Obama administration that has made obesity its pet project is also famous for photos of the President eating every kind of fast food. It is rank hypocrisy, but the proposed FDA ban is literally life threatening.

Write, email, and fax your Representative and Senator to ensure that Congress intervenes with the FDA in the same fashion it is struggling to protect us against an out-of-control Environmental Protection Agency. In particular, contact the members of the House Oversight and Government Reform committee.

Your life and the lives of your loved ones literally depend on stopping this attack on real nutrition.

Americans are losing the freedom they take for granted as Big Government intrudes on every personal choice they make. The Obama administration has demonstrated its total indifference to America’s senior citizens' access to affordable medical care and now all Americans' ability to access nutritional supplements.

You are being “protected” into an early grave!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Rate your vitamin

When there is a question about anything, people will go to the internet.  The internet is trustworthy. Right?  Well although it is a great resource of information, be cautious about what you read. 

If you are looking for the best supplements (vitamins) on the internet, then question the source.  There is a website, Multi Vitamin Guide.  This website has a rating of vitamins.  But they don't state who they are, how the rating was created, and there aren't any links to the specific companies so that you, the buyer, can see what is in each vitamin.  The website says it is the result of over 6 years of scientific research and analysis.  But they don't reveal who "they" are.  Also, the top rated vitamins are from companies that many haven't heard of. 

Be cautious of what minerals/vitamins are in a multi-vitamin.  For example this website's recommendation of Vitamin A is 7500 IUs.  The Daily Value recommendation is 5,000 IU.  Most experts recommend that half come from beta-carotene to avoid the risk of bone fractures cause by high doses of Vitamin A.

What Mama Bear Productions provides is honesty.  We provide Personal Confidential Nutrition Consultations.  This way we can find out about your needs, what's going on with you, and what you are looking for.  We provide the information and you decide what is right for you. 

Talk to someone who is honest, reputable, and has your best interest at heart.

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Monday, July 25, 2011

Does what we eat affect our kids?

Did you know that what a woman eats, during pregnancy, can affect the DNA of her baby?  According to Dr. Stephen Chaney, in a study performed by Ong & Muhlhausler, female rats were maintained on either a standard rat chow or a "junk-food diet"(food containing high fat and sugar), while the rat was pregnant and then while lactating  Then the rats were separated from their moms and allowed to choose what they wanted to eat.

The "junk food" babies showed a marked preference for high fat foods.  Also, they showed alterations in their hormones that preconditioned them to require a higher intake of fat to experience pleasure from eating.

In a second study by Jousee et al, and Faseb, female mice were maintained on either a standard mice chow or a low protein diet, during pregnancy and lactation.

In this situation, the mice offspring had a lower body weight and less fat.

Every good nutritionist knows that pregnant and lactating women should not be on a low protein diet.  With that said it is sensible for pregnant/lactating women to eat the right amount of protein, carbs and fat to be healthy and to have a healthy baby.

To prepare for conceiving a baby, a healthy diet is the responsibility of both parents,  The baby will have DNA from both.

Most prenatal nutrition advice is currently based on what it takes to have a healthy baby - not on what it might take for your child to experience better health throughout their life.

For pre-natal, pregnancy, and/or lactating nutrition program contact Mary Beth at 810-813-3308. 

Creating a healthy family is like a game of  Follow the Leader.  Our kids will do what we do, take care of yourself first.

Mary Beth
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/

Saturday, July 9, 2011

What, when, and why

I've been asked why I take so many "pills".  The "pills" are supplements.  Why do I take them?  Because, and I'll be honest, I don't eat according to the food pyramid guide, I'm unable to always breathe clean air, and basically I'm not perfect.  So I need to supplement my diet with a high end line of natural products.

What do I take?  Well a good foundation consists of; multi-vitamin, B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, and a supplement with calcium/magnesium/vitamin D.  Because I want to offset the affects of stress, I also take an immune builder.  Then because I am a woman and in menopause I take a supplement that has black cohosh, dong quai, flax seed and additional ingredients which prevent hot flashes and lack of sleep.  Also, I have acid reflux and I take a probiotic, enzymes and alfalfa.  In the morning I take my supplements with a soy protein that is non-GMO.

When do I take my supplements?  Various times of the day. 

I've built up to this regiment.  Yes you may be saying WOW that's a lot!  Maybe.  But I'll tell you that I am not the norm.  Most women my age have had severe female problems, lack of energy, and severe mood swings.  Not me.  Oh and what I take has side benefits.

So call me weird.  I'll take that as a compliment. 

Want to know what is right for you?  Contact me at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net and we can set up a day and time to either meet in person or talk on the phone.

We who have no time for our health today, may have no time for our health tomorrow.

Many blessings,

Mary Beth

Monday, June 27, 2011

Athletes of every kind

Are you a professional athlete, amateur athlete, recreational athlete, just trying to get fit, or even a weekend gardener?  Now that summer is here, I'm certain you fall into one of those categories or know someone who is. 

What does one do to achieve peak performance or just prevent from being sore the next day?  What about prevention to injury? 

Well, eat healthy before (for example an organic protein bar or protein smoothie), hydrate during (add something to your water that has potassium and natural sugars), and after do both.  Seem simple?  You bet.  But it is a habit to create, if you don't already have a program in place. 

Go here and see what Olympic athletes do to achieve peak performance, without steroids or other drugs.

So you're not an Olympic athlete?  That's okay, they are a rare bread.  The point is that it is important to give the body optimal nutrition in preventing injury, illness and disease. 

Want more information?  Do you like free things?  Click here

Create one or two good habits monthly.  In a year's time you will have created 12-24 good habits.  WOW! 

Need help with creating good habits?  Contact Mary Beth at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net.

Have a safe and happy July 4th!

Mary Beth

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Would you like pesticides with your peach?

What if I told you that when you eat a peach (non organic), you may be getting up to 57 pesticides.  Just when you thought you and/or your family was eating something good for them and then you find out about the pesticides.   Go here for the rest of the story.

Want to change the dirty dozen to the Clean 15?  Buy organic and when you can't, use a fruit/veggie cleaner.  The one I use works GREAT and is cost effective.   Do I have your attention?  Click here and find out what I use and the many other uses of this unique product.

Questions?  Email me at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net.

Have a fantastic day!

Mary Beth

Monday, June 6, 2011

Stress is a Choice

There are many things we can do about stress.  For example:  healthy foods, a good night sleep, read an inspirational book, and pray.

You can choose not to have stress.  Simplify your life.  According to David Zerfoss, author of Stress is a Choice, "Whether your business life is overly complicated or your personal life (or both), you have chosen this current system of chaos.  The world is a tantalizing swirl of getting the next "fix", tempting us to fit more and more things, people and processes into our lives, personally and professionally."

If you would like to preview Zerfoss's book, click here

Want to know some simple things you can do to offset the affects of stress?  Go here

Make simple and positive changes, 1-2 each month.  In a years time you will have made 12 - 24 simple and positive changes.  WOW!

We who have no time for our health today, may have no time for our healthy tomorrow.

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Who will you inspire today?

An excerpt from The Best Way Out is Always Through by BJ Gallgher

Our journey of life is about progress, not perfection. It's not about doing one thing 100% better - it's a matter of doing 100 things, 1% better each day.

Progress is evolutionary not revolutionary, and most days we measure our progress in inches, not miles.  What matters most is showing up for your life whether you feel like it or not.

Ask yourself, "What two or three little things can I do today that would move me forward?"  You'll be amazed at how much distance you can cover by taking it in increments.

The little things add up; the inches turn to miles; and we string together our efforts like so many pearls. Before long, look what you have - a whole strand!

Ah... beautiful.

Will you pay this forward?

Have an inspirational day!

Mary Beth
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Shocking pollutants in your home

Many think about the pollutants outside the home, but do you know there are pollutants in the home?  In addition to the tips below, you can go to the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/lead.html to find out more.

1. Use cleaning products made from safe natural and not-toxic ingredients to prevent exposure to the hazardous synthetic chemicals conventional cleaners often contain.

2. Dust with a damp cloth to ensure that household dust, which can collect toxins, is removed from surfaces and not stirred back into the air.

3. Open windows and doors occasionally (even in winter!) to rinse out any air pollutants that have accumulated inside.

4. Spray carefully. Propellant-powered aerosol spray products release their ingredients in the form of easily-breathable microscopic droplets that stay suspended in the air for hours after use. Better bets are hand-powered spray products or those you can apply with a sponge or rag.

6. Use baking soda. Freshen everything from carpets and cat boxes to trash cans and drains with non-toxic baking soda. Just sprinkle, let stand overnight, and vacuum or rinse odors away the next day.

7. Warm water can be best. Synthetic chemicals and other pollutants often accumulate unseen on the surfaces you are cleaning. Since hot water easily turns many of these substances into vapor.

8. Use chlorine-free dishwasher detergent. The chlorine in conventional detergents is easily vaporized by hot dishwasher water and then released into your home’s air.

9. Ask guests to remove their shoes when entering your home. That way, they won’t track in pollutants.

10. Buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. These special filters trap unhealthy dust particles.

Simple steps are big improvements in one's health.

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Friday, May 27, 2011

What you see is what you get

Dr. Brian Wansink has an article in the May 2011 issue of Nutrition Action titled "Under the Influence". 

In the article Dr. Wansink speaks about his studies concerning various groups of people, who were given different sizes of food, at different locations and how they reacted to the food. 

For example:
  • He gave moviegoers, who had just eaten dinner, either a big bag or a small bag of stale popcorn.  Those given the big bag ate 34% more.
  • He put clear glass dishes of candy either on  a secretaries desk or 6 feet away on a cabinet.  The secretaries consumed 125 more calories from candy when it was on their desk.
  • He did a study with 60 graduate students just before winter break.  He gave them a lecture on external eating cues in which he specifically told them that they would eat more from a big bowl of Chex Mix than from a small bowl.  After winter break he invited those same students to a Super Bowl party and divided them into two rooms and gave them either large or small bowls of Chex mix.  The ones given the large bowls ate 53% more!
So now you know that overeating is mindlessly dependant on external eating cues, AND that you can't avoid being influenced by those external clues even if you are intelligent and motivated. 

So what can you do?  Is it possible to curb the cravings, overeating, and do it sensibly?  YES it is!  Call Mary Beth at Mama Bear Productions for your complimentary Personal Confidential Nutrition Consultation.  The consultations are available in person or on the phone.

Embrace each day versus just showing up. 

Mary Beth
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/

Friday, May 20, 2011

Looking Good

It's that time of year when people want to look good in their bathing suits, shorts and summer attire.  How?  Loosing weight.

The thing is loosing weight should not be a quick fix.  It is a lifestyle change. 

So cravings, lack of energy, stress all of these symptoms can be offset by getting good nutrition into the body.  Click here to see Dr. Cook's Top 8 Weight Loss Supplements.  Of course healthy eating and exercise are part of the formula as well.

Let's break down the supplements and where to find them.

For supplements
With Mama Bear Production you get a high level of customer service and support.  We get you to your goal weight and maintain it. 

If this sounds like you or anyone you know, contact me at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net.  Working together, we can get you LOOKING GOOD.

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Side Affects

Today I was able to sit and watch a romantic movie.  That was nice as usually I'm up and have a busy schedule.

Every time there was a commercial break, there were commercials about prescriptions. With all of the side affects, why would anyone want to take the prescription?  Some even said they may cause cancer or if someone had cancer they should not take this prescription.  The prescriptions I'm referring to are ones for psoriasis and eczema.  If you are not familiar with these diseases, they are skin disorders.

Our skin reflects what is going on inside our body.  When a person has psoriasis or eczema, it is due to a week immune system.  So how does one strengthen or get the immune system in balance?
  • Diet:  Eat organic fruits and vegetables.  When organic isn't available, use an organic cleaner to remove the pesticides off fruits/vegetables. 
  • Limit fast food.  There are numerous preservatives in fast food.  The chemicals promote skin disorders.
  • Drink clean and pure water!!!  The appropriate amount for each individual is half their weight in ounces.
  • Exercise.  Getting the body going reduces fat, creates lean muscle mass, develops a positive frame of mind.
  • Finally supplements.  You know vitamins.  I say supplements because we can't get everything from our food.  And if you don't eat according to the food pyramid guide, then you are not getting enough minerals and vitamins.
  • Finally increase the production of Interferon in you immune system.  What is Interferon?  Click here.
How can you increase production of Interferon without chemicals and only side benefits?  Click here.

Want more information specific for you?  Contact Mary Beth at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net

Enjoy the day!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Forced into early retirement?

So the company you worked for is downsizing and getting rid of the top paid employees.  Does this sound like you?  Are you thinking "what will I do?"  Many find themselves in this same situation.  This same group is saying "no more JOB".  I want a business of my own that gives me time and freedom.

That is what Mama Bear Productions is.  I was part of the corporate world and they laid me off in 1998 after over 16 years with the company.  My children were 4 and 1 1/2 at the time so I was a stay at home mom. 

It was a social shock at first, but then realized how much I loved being with my children and not having to be in rush hour traffic and someone telling me my schedule.  Sound like you?

Mama Bear Productions is expanding and looking for business partners.

Someone who is smart, passionate and committed.  Smart enough to know about the value of building an income producing asset, passionate about growing predictable passive income for now and the future and committed to living a life that supports your health and values every day of the week.  Do you know anyone like that?  If you do, contact Mary Beth Potrykus at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net.

Mama Bear Productions works with a group of  entrepreneurs, expanding internationally, working together with a professional business model to build income now and for the future.  We are looking for others just like us who want to do the same.

If you know someone or you are interested in finding out more, give me a call, Mary Beth at 810-813-3308. 

It is a great time to explore.

Mary Beth Potrykus
www.mamabearproductions.net

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Unemployed. What to do next?

Mama Bear Productions is expanding and looking for people with experience in direct sales and marketing.

I work with group of professionals across the country and a business coach who has 25 years of experience.

With downsizing and layoffs people are looking to do something else.  They are tired of punching a time clock and someone else determining their schedule.  That's where I come in.

Mama Bear Productions, with a team that is nationwide, supports those who want to be an entreprenuer, they want to be their own boss.  We have a successful business plan in place which helps people transition from a job to a business of their own. Even though it's their own business, we work together so they're never doing it alone.

If this sounds like you or anyone you know, call Mary Beth at 810-813-3308 to schedule an interview.

Mary Beth Potrykus
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Rheumatoid Arthritis

So I'm watching TV and of course amongst the many commercials advertising prescriptions is one for Rheumatoid Arthritis.  This "amazing" prescription relieves the pain.  Of course there are side affects as all prescriptions are snythetic and our intelligent bodies know when we put something synthetic in them.

What about getting to the source of the problem?  Did you know Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto immune disorder?  What if those who have R.A. can get their immune system in balance?  Do you think then the symptoms would be reduced and possibly be relieved altogether? 

This can happen.  R.A. can be put into remission  It won't happen with a prescription.  Why?  Because the prescriptions for R.A. only help with symptoms and not the problem.

How can a person get their R.A. into remission?
  1. Diet.  Eliminate processed food.  That includes canned vegetables, fast food, artificial sweeteners.
  2. Exercise.  At first one should do simple exercises.  For example taking a short walk. 
  3. Supplements.  Whole food and  pure supplements.
  4. Get Interferon into the body.  Click here for information on Interferon
Speak with a reliable source.  One who isn't just going for a sale, but who wants to know about you and your needs.  That person is, me,  Mary Beth Potrykus.  Call me at 810-813-3308 for your initial complimentary nutrition consultation.  Working together we can help you feel terrific!

Mary Beth Potrykus
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Fast Food means No Nutrition and High Preservatives

The last time we stopped at a McDonalds (in fall of 2008) was out of desperation. My daughter needed something to eat and that was the only thing around.  She wanted Chicken Nuggets.  I sampled one and thought THIS IS DISGUSTING!  It was 75% breading and grease and 25% white meat (supposedly).  Even though she was very hungry (as she just left a hockey game), she couldn't finish the nuggets.  Click here and read what Dr. Mercola says about Chicken Nuggets.

In my healthy workshops, I bring Bob the Burger with me.  Bob was born on October30, 2007. I kept Bob on my desk, in the original wrapper and bag.  Over 3 years later, the bun is hard, the meat is hard and shrunk, and NO MOLD!  YIKES!!  This is Bob.


Am I telling you to never go to a fast food restaurant?  No. Think of it as a treat. 

Would you put diesel fuel in your car if it required unleaded gas?  If you answered no, then why would you put processed food in your body?

If you're looking for a person who can help you maintain your health or looking to create good habits, who walks the talk, contact Mary Beth at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net.

Remember, eat healthy 80% of the time, 20% of the time eat what you want and enjoy it.

Mary Beth

Monday, April 11, 2011

Who's cleaning your house?

I've received a postcard in the mail and asks me "Who's Cleaning Your House?" I'd like to say my cleaning service, but it really is me and my children help out (not voluntarily but they do help).

My kids have been cleaning their own bedroom since they were 8 years old (now 14 and 17).  You may ask "Why would you allow them to use those cleaners?  Kids don't know not to spray it in their faces, get it on their clothes, etc."  Those thoughts never occurred to me as I use non toxic cleaners.

I say non toxic and not "Green Products" as that term is so misused and misunderstood.  Ask yourself...If Clorox makes green cleaners are they made in a separate plant where the bleach isn't made?  What makes them green

While I can't answer the first question, I can tell you that the products I use are from a company that has been totally green since it opened in 1956.  This company has never used dyes or toxic chemicals in making their products and they are biodegradable (they break up in the earth instead of clumping up).  So you'll never see the skeleton on the container indicating they are poisonous.  Which is great especially if your toddler was like my daughter.  At 2 she could open cabinets that had a child proof lock (not so child proof).

What company is this?  Click here and find out who they are and how you can save 5,000 plastic containers from going into landfills.  Pretty amazing!!

So reduce garbage in the landfills, reduce the toxins in your home, and save some green.

Til the next time....

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Monday, March 21, 2011

Acne

As a teenager/preteen, there is another issue to deal with and that is acne. 

You may have heard that avoiding greasy foods, avoid eating chocolate, eliminating pop, and drink clean water (reverse osmosis/steam distilled is best) will prevent acne.  This is true. 

However in today's world, everyone, yes including teens/preteens, experiences stress.  Stress is all around us.  We may not be able to remove the stress from our lives, but we can change how we respond to it. Laugh, rest, and when stressed eat fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, yogurt, etc.  This will help offset the affects of stress by giving our bodies what it needs to be healthy. 

Here is a source of healthy fast food

Adults get acne as well.  Click here to and find out how a topical ointment will remove acne in as quickly as 24 hours.  This is remarkable product that everyone can use. 

Of course I'm here to help.  Call me.

Mary Beth
810-813-3308
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/

Friday, March 18, 2011

Sounds a little fishy

The American Heart Association and Nation Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend 500 mg/day of omega-3s for healthy people who have not know risk factors for heart disease, which is a great start!

Clinical studies showing that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of a second heart attack is people who have already had one heart attack have generally used 1,000 to 2,000mg a day.  According to Dr. Chaney, this would be the amount if you know that you are at risk of heart disease. 

Most clinical studies looking at the effects of omea-3 fatty acids on lowering triglyceride levels and reducing the risk of depression and dementia have used 1,000 to 2,00 mg/day.

So the best advice is to learn how to listen to your own body. Try smaller or larger amounts until you find out how much you need.

However, you should know that it may take 6 weeks to 3 months for you to experience the full benefits of any given does of omega-3 fatty acids.

Also, you should know that it is the long chain omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil that provide most of the health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids.

If you're not sure which omega-3s are right for you, click here.

Does it still sound a little fishy?  Okay, I will stick with my business and not be a stand up comedian.

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Friday, March 11, 2011

Can you get everything from food?

Do you eat according to the Food Pyramid Guide?  About 3% of the US population does eat the daily amounts in the US Food Pyramid. 

What about the 97%?  What are you doing to supplement your diet?  Did you know not eating is just as bad as overeating?  When a person doesn't eat, the body is looking for energy and literally eats at muscle, leaving the fat. 

Ever heard of Healthy Fast Food?  I have a tasty recipe for Peanut Butter Balls.  YUM!  Do you like protein smoothies?  Great recipes for those too. 

Being prepared and organized will help you so that you don't go to fast food restaurants.  Think of it as a treat.   Look for my video on Bob the Burger.  You'll look at fast food in a completely different way. 

To your health! 

Mary Beth
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/

Let me know what you think?

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

What can you do to prevent cancer?

What can you do to prevent cancer?  Well it would be nice if there wasn't any stress, no processed food to tempt us, clean air, clean water and everyone was at a healthy weight.

What if we could at least offset the affects of stress?  Well for one, when the body is stressed it is depleted of essential vitamins (B, Zinc, C to name a few).  Think of food and supplements that can replenish those vitamins.  Fresh veggies, fruit, herbal tea, etc.  I realize that doesn't sound yummy, but if you eat candy, drink caffeine/alcohol, eat fast food when you are stressed, you just fueled the stress. 

So next time you are stressed, eat something nutritious and drink water.  You will feel so much better afterwards.

What does all of this have to do with cancer?   Having a healthy immune system is a great defense against cancer.  When a person is stressed, vitamins are depleted from the body and the immune system is negatively impacted. 

Prevention is the key.

To your health!

Mary Beth
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Exercise can be FUN

Day three of those wonderful changes.  The weather is getting nicer (I'm thinking positive) so lets get out and do something. 

What do you do after dinner?  How about a walk?  Exercise with a friend or spouse.  My kids have Wii Fit Plus.  There are fun games but you exercise too.  WIN WIN.

Plus when you do something physical, you want to drink...MORE WATER.   Thought I was going to leave that out didn't you? 

Share your experience with me as we go through this remarkable journey called LIFE. 

Prevention is the cure to disease. 

See you tomorrow.

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Monday, March 7, 2011

What changes will you make?

It is day two of changes.  I didn't hear from anyone as to what change they will make.  Don't be shy.  First name only is just fine.

Changes can be scarry.  But after accomplishing a change WOW will you feel great!  I made a change 13 years ago.  I start my day out with my protein smoothie and vitamins.  At first I thought "will I be doing this for the rest of my life?".   Well thirteen years later, I'm still taking my vitamins and drinking my protein smoothie.  Why?  Because I know how much better I feel. 

I mentioned in my post yesterday some suggestions for living a healthier life.  Are you looking for additional suggestions? 

If I had to pick one, I would say DRINK DRINK DRINK water.   Pure clean water (ie reverse osmosis or steam distilled). 

That's it for today.  CH CH CHANGES!  Remember David Bowie?

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Sunday, March 6, 2011

What change will you make?

This is my blog, my voice. 

Thirteen years ago a good friend introduced me to a company who not only provided top notch products but educated me.  It was a momentus part of my life. 

I found that being closed minded didn't get me anywhere.  Something as simple and basic as getting back to nature. Giving our bodies what God intended.  It's that simple.  But not always easy.

But it can be a discovery.  How we can get back to the way people lived only a hundred years ago.  Before fast food,  busy lives, quick fixes, a pill for everything.  Has your doctor ever asked you what your diet is like?  How much pop you drink, processed food you eat, how many servings of fruits and veggies?  I'd really like to know. 

Are you up for a challenge?  What positive healthy lifestyle change will you make this month?  Don't know where to start?  Drink more water, try a new fresh veggie, don't eat after dinner?  Let's share. 

Just think 1-2 positive lifestyle changes each month and in a year's time you will have made 12-24 changes and it becomes habit. 

When you believe in your strengths, you’ll find new opportunities!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Too Small to Be Big

What are we doing to our children?  Why are there so many obese children in the US?  According to American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, in addition to the obvious--lack of exercise, high fatty foods, low or no fresh veggies and fruits-- it can also be depression, too much TV, stress.

If your children are struggling with their weight, Rikki Lake has a book out that may help you, Too Small to Be Big.

What about watching parents and what they do?  Creating a healthy family is like a game of Follow the Leader.  Our kids will do what we do.

So what can we do to create healthy children?  What are you doing to keep a healthy weight?  Do you exercise?  Do you drink water?  If you've done the Yo Yo dieting, there is a program based on observing Olympic Athletes that you loose the fat and keep the muscle.  Having lean muscle reduces cravings, speeds up the metabolism (naturally), and gives the body energy. 

If you want a diet program that creates lifestyle changes to get you to your ideal weight and maintain it, it is a CINCH.  

With support from Mama Bear Productions, the Wise Guys, and others on the Cinch program you can loose weight and stop the Yo Yo dieting.

Mary Beth
810-813-3308. 

Monday, January 31, 2011

Do bad "bugs" make you fat?

Did you know that some types of bacteria found in obese people are different than those found in the intestines of lean individuals?  But no one really knew the significance, if any, of that observation.

The following information is from an article in a very prestigious scientific journal Vijay-Kumar et al, Science, 328: 228-231, 2010.

The test observed a strain of mice that are genetically predisposed to obesity with wild type (genetically lean) mice.  They first looked at the intestinal bacteria.  It turned out that the obese mice and lean mice had the same differences intestinal bacteria that humans have.

And just like obese humans the obese mice displayed insulin resistance, and elevated levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and blood sugar.  (They were pre-diabetic).  Since the obese mice also ate more than the lean mice, many of the observed differences could have been due to the excess calories and resulting weight gain. 

To test this, scientists limited the amount of food that the obese ice ate so that it was identical to what the lean mice ate.  Even though the obese mice were no longer overweight, they still displayed increased insulin resistance compared to the genetically lean mice.  

Based on this and other experiments the scientists eventually concluded it was the insulin resistance that was causing the mice to overeat and, therefore, become obese. 

Further tests included: killing the intestinal bacteria in obese mice with high doses of antibiotics, depleting intestinal bacteria in some mice and it completely prevented the insulin resistance, and sterilized the intestines of the lean mice and then colonized their intestines with intestinal bacteria from obese mice.  In the last experiment lean mice developed characteristics of the obese mice, including insulin resistance, overeating, obesity and hyperglycemia. 

The lean mice became overweight and developed diabetes. 

Does this mean that you should rush out and buy some probiotics (friendly bacteria) as part of your weight loss strategy?  No.  That would be premature

But it is known that bad bacteria in the intestine can compromise the immune system, convert foods that you eat to cancer causing chemicals, and cause chronic inflammation, which contributes to a number of major diseases. 

There's guarantee that the "good bugs" will help keep you slim, but it is known that it keeps a person healthy.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Interferon. What is this

What is Interferon? It's part of the immune system and is able to recognize dangerous changes in your cells and destroy these potential pre-cancerous cells.  Interferon is activated by the immune system when a virus attacks a cell.  To learn more go to www.naturalinterferon.com

How does one build the production of interferon in the immune system?  What does the immune system have to do with cancer?  First Nutriferon, builds the production of interferon, thereby having a balanced immune system.  A weak or overstimulated immune system, progresses the pre-cancerous cells into cancer cells.

Prevention versus a cure.  People donate money to find a cure for cancer.  What if you could invest that money into preventing it?  Mama Bear Productions provides Personal Nutrition Consultations and recommends a high end line of natural products.  We also help people who are going through chemotherapy. 

"We who have no time for our health today, have no time for our health tomorrow."

Call Mary Beth of Mama Bear Productions at 810-813-3308 today and find out more. 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Just 10 pounds

It is still the beginning of 2011, but time is flying by.  Are you sticking to your New Years Resolution?

If your New Year Resolution is to loose weight (which is the number 1 resolution), and don't know how to get to your goal weight and just as important is to maintain your goal weight, create a short term goal of loosing the first 10 pounds.

Brad Lamm brings a fresh eye to weight loss, focusing not on the what of eating but on the how and why.  As a companion piece to the Dr. Oz Show's major, year-long initiative to change the health of America, this book discards the notion of overhauling life with the vague dream of being thin and challenges the reader to focus on loosing just 10 pounds. 

What Lamm understands is that managing weight isn't just about doing crunches, running miles or cutting calories.  In fact, one of the most powerful parts of success is generally overlooked--a healthy relationship with oneself is key to any weight-loss program. 

Brad Lamm's book is Just 10 LBS:  East Steps to Weighing What you Want (Finally). 

Brad loves Cinch and he uses Cinch products.  Click here to view the Cinch products.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Toxins in the home

Would you bring something into your home if you knew it could cause allergies, birth defects, weight gain, or even cancer?  Many are doing just that.  (National Health Magazine)

What are the culprits?  Window cleaners, dishwashing detergents, laundry soaps, and scouring powder, just to name a few.

When you were growing up, did your friends have allergies, asthma, add/adhd, etc?  If you're like me the answer is no.  So why is it so different now?

Overkill.  Have you heard the saying "less is more"?  Using less chemicals and, as a result, reduces the toxins in the home, and are great preventions against illness and disease.  As far as the weight is concerned, the body retains toxins in the fat of the body.  Less fat, less toxins, healthier weight. 

Many think non toxic (no chemicals) and biodegradable (breaks up vs. clumping up) products are a big hype.  My son (16) and daughter (13) don't have allergies, asthma and are at a healthy weight?  Why?  Because since they were toddlers, one of the things I do is use non toxic cleaning and laundry products.  These products work just as effectively as the toxic store bought products and are much more cost effective.

So how will you get your house clean and do it without toxic chemicals?  Call Mama Bear Productions at 810-813-3308 and find out how. 

What's in us, on us, and around us becomes a part of us.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Will Belly Fat Kill you?

Have you heard of the dangers of abdominal obesity (also known as belly fat)?  This increases risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.  BUT did you know that it could literally kill a person?

Scientists at the National Institute of health recently analyzed data collected from 44,000 women in the Nurses' Health Study over a 16 year period and asked if abdominal obesity affected their death rates from heart disease and cancer (Zhang et al, Circulation, 117: 1658-1667, 2008).  The answer was YES!

The study showed that women with a waist measurement of 35 inches were twice as likely to die from heart disease and cancer then women with a waist measurement of 28 inches - even if they were at an ideal body weight.

How could someone be at an ideal weight and still have abdominal obesity?

There is a natural tendency to loose muscle mass as we age.  When we add in the inactivity associated with the American lifestyle that loss of muscle mass is accelerated and the muscle is replaced with fat.

Of course the women who were both overweight and had abdominal obesity were even more likely to die from heart disease or cancer.

So it isn't just about not looking good in your bathing suit, abdominal obesity is a KILLER!

The GOOD new is you can do something about abdominal obesity.  A combination of exercise, a healthy diet and the "Cinch Inch Loss Plan" is a proven way of getting rid of that unsightly belly fat forever!

Thank you to Dr. Chaney for supply valuable information.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Which diet is the one for you?

Once again, loosing weight is the #1 New Years Resolution.  Why?  Most diets you loose the fat and the muscle.  Why is it important to keep muscle?:
  1. Speeds up the metabolism naturally
  2. Reduces cravings for sweets and carbs
  3. Natural energy
  4. One pound of muscle the body burns 50 calores, one pound of fat the body burns 2 calories.
  5. Keeping the muscle increases the loss of Viseral Fat (fat that surrounds the heart, liver and other major organs). 
We are on information overload from the internet.  You can choose any diet you want.  There are countless diet programs.  So what diet is right for you?  Consider the following when choosing a diet:
  • Is it a simple program that I can follow?
  • Is it a lifestyle change so I can get to my goal weight and maintain my goal weight?
  • When using supplements, meal replacements, etc, does the manufacturer guarantee NO STIMULANTS?
  • Do the products taste good?
  • Is support available?
I was on a weight loss program through a company that claimed they only had natural products.  Chinese Mau Huang is natural, a natural stimulant.  Chinese Mau Huang is equivalent to Ephedra.  This caused me to be at my lowest point of my health in my life.

So I learned from my lesson and share that knowledge with others who are committed to living a healthy and long life. 

It's a Cinch to loose an inch! 

To speak with a trained consultant, call Mary Beth at 810-813-3308. You can also go to www.cinchplan.com/mamabear.

You didn't click on this blog by chance, you were meant to read this.